Massive Auction Success
Telecom Giants Secure Key Bands
On June 29, 2025, Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) completed an auction of mobile spectrum bands, raising over 41 billion baht. Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation won the 1500MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands, strengthening their 5G networks. The auction, finalized in just one hour, highlights Thailand’s drive to enhance digital connectivity in 2025.
AIS Captures 2100MHz Band
Premium Bids for High Capacity
Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), an AIS subsidiary, secured all three 10MHz sets of the 2100MHz band for 14 billion baht, a 10% premium over the 4.5 billion baht per set reserve price. This acquisition bolsters AIS’s ability to handle high data traffic, critical as mobile data usage surged 18% in Thailand in 2024, per NBTC reports. The 2100MHz band is prized for its balance of speed and coverage.
True Dominates 2300MHz and 1500MHz
Strategic Investments Pay Off
True Move H Universal Communication (TUC), a True Corporation subsidiary, invested 26.4 billion baht, securing all seven 10MHz sets of the 2300MHz band for 21.7 billion baht—19.7% above the 2.59 billion baht per set reserve—and four of eleven 5MHz sets of the 1500MHz band for 4.65 billion baht, 10% above the 1 billion baht reserve. These bands enhance True’s 5G reach and rural coverage.
850MHz Band Ignored
No Bids for Low-Frequency Spectrum
The 850MHz band, offered in two 10MHz sets at 7.7 billion baht each, received no bids, likely due to its limited suitability for 5G compared to higher-frequency bands. The NBTC plans to review this outcome at a July 2 meeting, exploring strategies to reallocate the spectrum. This gap reflects operators’ focus on bands supporting Thailand’s 5G adoption, which reached 25% of users in 2024.
Swift and Efficient Process
One-Hour Auction Signals Confidence
Starting at 9:30 AM on June 29, the auction concluded in just one hour, with AWN and TUC as the only qualified bidders. NBTC chairman Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck announced the results that afternoon, praising the streamlined process. The efficiency underscores strong market trust in Thailand’s telecom sector, which contributes 6% to GDP, per 2025 economic projections.
Future of Thailand’s Connectivity
Fueling Digital Transformation
The 41 billion baht raised will fund infrastructure upgrades, enhancing 5G networks critical for Thailand’s digital economy. The 2100MHz and 2300MHz bands support faster urban connections, while the 1500MHz band improves rural coverage, addressing the needs of 70 million mobile users. With 5G subscriptions projected to hit 40% by 2026, per GSMA, this auction sets the stage for transformative connectivity growth.
